West Brom striker form a 'concern' as boss hopes for break respite

Heggebo endured a no-show at Molineux in last Sunday’s poor Black Country derby defeat at Wolves.

The Norwegian frontman had just seven touches before being replaced on the hour. By contrast winger Kareem Tunde, who underwhelmed as an 84th-minute substitute, had 15 touches.

Heggebo, 25, has struggled for form since his return from a controversial suspension from handball goal against Norwich on the opening day. A mysterious illness has stuttered any progress.

"Yes, I'm not going to lie to you, it's a little bit of a concern,” Morrison said of Heggebo’s form.

"But we've got a break to regroup with the players who are going to be with us, work with them so they can be in the best condition.

"We've got a few players who've come into the club who need to work to get up to speed.

"So I welcome this break to regroup. We'll lick our wounds and get ready to go again.”

Heggebo visibly struggled, among colleagues, against Wolves. He completed just a single pass from two attempted, won no duels and had one touch in the hosts’ penalty area.

The striker was ill prior to the Championship opener at Carrow Road, in which he accidentally netted the winner with his hand, but was retrospectively banned for deceiving officials. Albion appealed the suspension, a move initiated by Heggebo, and defended the striker’s character.

But a separate illness struck during the two-match ban and took several weeks to get over. Morrison admitted on several occasions that club medics were struggling to get to the bottom of the cause.

Heggebo struck 10 goals in a mixed debut campaign last term after his £4.7million move from Brann in his homeland and it was hoped after a break during the summer he could add to his bustling displays.

But the Norway international has looked a shadow of himself since the ban and a long way off the pace, despite the well-taken winner at Derby a couple of weeks ago, where he played just 45 minutes.

Summer signing Jimmy-Jay Morgan, top scorer with five goals, has shouldered the responsibility so far this term. Albion’s other option Barney Stewart is yet to start in the Championship.

"Too many at the top end of the pitch had off-days and you can't afford that with their (Wolves) attacking threat,” Morrison said of last weekend.

"The ball was going up and it didn't stick. We couldn't get any territory or momentum in the game.

"When Barney came on he made a difference and I'm happy for him. He (Nzingoula) was alright - but I want outcomes. I want more outcomes from my attacking players.”